What Kind of Materials Should You Pick When Shopping for Jewelry?
When you are shopping for jewelry, it is important to choose the right materials. The type of metal and gemstones you select can make a big difference in terms of both appearance and price. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of materials that are available to you when shopping for jewelry. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right materials for your needs!
1. White gold
White gold is a popular choice for jewelry because it has a beautiful, bright appearance. It is also relatively affordable compared to other metals. White gold is an alloy of gold and another white metal, usually nickel or palladium. The addition of these other metals gives the gold a brighter color and makes it more durable. You can learn what white gold is online and see what styles work for you and your budget. If you are looking for a piece of jewelry that will last for many years, white gold is a great option. However, keep in mind that it does require some care and maintenance. You will need to have your white gold jewelry cleaned and polished regularly to keep it looking its best. Another thing to consider with white gold is that it can sometimes cause skin irritation for people who are allergic to nickel.
2. Yellow gold
When it comes to yellow gold, the higher the karat, the more pure the gold. 24 karat gold is 100% pure gold, while 18 karat is 75% pure gold. 14 karat is 58.33% pure gold. The rest of the metal in those alloys is typically silver or copper. Silver and copper give yellow gold its distinctive color, but they also make it harder and less likely to scratch or bend. That’s why many people prefer 14 karats over 18 karat—it strikes a balance between quality and durability. This metal is also a good choice for people with sensitive skin, as it is less likely to irritate white gold. Yellow gold does require some care and maintenance, but it is generally very easy to take care of. You will need to have your yellow gold jewelry cleaned and polished regularly to keep it looking its best.
3. Rose gold
Rose gold is a beautiful, romantic metal that has been growing in popularity in recent years. If you’re shopping for rose gold jewelry, you’ll want to look for pieces made with 14-karat or 18-karat gold. Rose gold is more expensive than other types of gold jewelry because it’s not as widely available. When shopping for rose gold jewelry, keep in mind that the metal is more fragile than other types of gold. It’s important to take care when wearing and storing rose gold jewelry to avoid scratched or damaged pieces. Be sure to store your rose gold jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or box to prevent it from being scratched by other pieces of jewelry. Also, avoid exposure to chemicals and cleaners when wearing rose gold jewelry. When cleaning your rose gold jewelry, use a mild soap and warm water solution. Gently scrub the piece with a soft cloth, then rinse in warm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
4. Platinum
Platinum is the most expensive precious metal, and for good reason. It is rare, durable, and has a beautiful white luster. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. When shopping for platinum jewelry, be sure to look for the purity mark “PT” or “PLAT” to ensure you are getting the real thing. If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime (and then some), platinum is the way to go. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, platinum’s durability and timeless beauty make it worth the investment. Plus, platinum doesn’t require as much care as other precious metals. You can clean your platinum jewelry with mild soap and a warm water solution. Gently scrub the piece with a soft cloth, then rinse in warm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. You should have your platinum jewelry professionally cleaned every few years to keep it looking its best.
5. Sterling silver
Sterling silver is a popular precious metal for jewelry, but it’s not as expensive as gold or platinum. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.50% pure silver and 07.50% copper. The addition of copper gives sterling silver its strength and durability. Sterling silver can tarnish over time, but it’s easy to clean with a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub the piece with a soft cloth, then rinse in warm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. You should have your sterling silver jewelry professionally cleaned every few years to keep it looking its best. If you’re shopping for sterling silver jewelry, be sure to look for the “sterling” or “925” purity mark to ensure you’re getting the real thing.
6. Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for jewelry because it is durable and affordable. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and carbon. The addition of chromium makes stainless steel resistant to rust and corrosion. When shopping for stainless steel jewelry, be sure to look for the “stainless” or “316” purity mark to ensure you’re getting the real thing. If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime (and then some), stainless steel is the way to go. Though it doesn’t have the same high price tag as gold or platinum, stainless steel’s durability makes it worth the investment. Men love to wear stainless steel jewelry because it is strong and masculine. Women also enjoy wearing stainless steel jewelry because it is sleek and modern.
As we saw, each type of material has unique benefits that make it ideal for different types of jewelry. When shopping for jewelry, be sure to keep these things in mind so you can find the perfect piece (or pieces) to suit your needs. Thanks for reading! Until next time, happy shopping!
